标签： Jamaica

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, a Jamaican-born member of the UK House of Lords, has urged British police to reopen the investigation into the 1993 murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence. This call comes after Gary Dobson, one of the convicted individuals, admitted to participating in the attack during a recent parole hearing. Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old, was fatally stabbed by a gang at a bus stop in Eltham, UK, in what was widely perceived as a racially motivated crime. The case shocked the nation and highlighted systemic issues within the UK’s criminal justice system. While Dobson and David Norris were convicted in 2012, neither had previously confessed to their involvement. At least six men were suspected of the murder, but only two faced legal consequences. Norris’ admission, where he claimed to have punched but not stabbed Lawrence, marks the first time a suspect has publicly acknowledged participation in the crime. During the parole hearing, Norris expressed reluctance to name his accomplices, citing fears for his and his family’s safety. Baroness Lawrence emphasized the need for justice, stating that Norris owes her the truth and the Metropolitan Police owe her accountability. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a review of the investigation began in 2013 to explore potential avenues for further prosecutions. Meanwhile, the parole board is deliberating Norris’ release, with conflicting psychiatric evaluations—one deeming him unfit due to racist behavior in prison, while another suggests he could be safely released.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A devastating fire at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston has resulted in the tragic death of a 70-year-old man, as confirmed by Courtney Thompson, assistant superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). The incident occurred early Thursday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has identified a significant rise in fatalities during planned police operations (PPOs), attributing the trend to the increased deployment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFATs). According to a Special Investigative Report tabled in the House of Representatives, AFATs, which accounted for less than 5% of PPO deployments and fatalities in 2022/23, now represent 50% of deployments and nearly half of all PPO-related deaths as of July 2025. This stark escalation contrasts sharply with 2019, when the disbandment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve command coincided with the lowest fatality figures in recent history—86 fatal shootings and only 10 PPO-related deaths. Indecom’s data reveals a concerning trajectory: in 2022, AFATs were involved in 5% of PPOs, resulting in 31 deaths; by 2025, their involvement surged to 51% of PPOs, with 97 fatalities recorded in just seven months. The AFATs, a specialized unit targeting violent criminals across divisional boundaries, were established to address the mobility and networking of high-profile offenders. However, Indecom has raised alarms about the lack of modern forensic protocols during operations, noting that recovered firearms are often improperly handled, compromising evidence integrity. The commission also highlighted the disproportionate involvement of senior officers with prior fatal shooting incidents in PPOs, with 11 operations under their command flagged as suspicious. Indecom’s findings underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and forensic practices to mitigate the rising toll of PPO-related fatalities.

A violent altercation in Bamboo Lawn, Lilliput, St James, has led to criminal charges against a 33-year-old man. Duran Adlam, a radio operator from Ocean Heights, Lilliput, is accused of wounding with intent following a brutal attack on Sunday, April 20. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when the victim was ambushed by Adlam and a group of assailants. The attackers reportedly stabbed and beat the man, who managed to flee to avoid further harm. The suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim with severe stab wounds to his face and head. Emergency services transported the injured man to the hospital, where he was admitted in serious but stable condition. Adlam was later apprehended by law enforcement and formally charged. Authorities are currently finalizing his court date as the investigation continues.